15 June 2024 12:00 am Views - 131
By Yohan Perera
Whilst revealing that Russian law allows that country to recruit foreigners to its military in accordance with signed contracts, Sri Lankan foreign Minister Ali Sabry yesterday said the Russian government wants local servicemen and the Sri Lankan government to uphold these contracts they have signed with their foreign employers.
“I met the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during my recent visit to Russia. The foreign minister and the other Russian officials informed us that their law allows that country to recruit foreigners to work in their military. They also told us that most Sri Lankan ex-servicemen have signed contracts with the Russian government.
Therefore, Russia wants these agreements upheld. They said they will do their part and expect the other party to do the same,” Minister Sabry said.
“However, Russia always respect Sri Lanka. We are confident that they will not let us down. The issue is half solved, and we want to resolve it completely without dragging it,” he said.
The Minister said Sri Lankan government would try to repatriate Sri Lankans who wish to return. “There are some Sri Lankans who are volunteering to stay on and work for the Russian military,” he added.
Also, the Minister said there are a few Sri Lankans who work for the Ukrainian military as well but it is a small number compared to 400 ex-servicemen who work for the Russian military.